Road Markings and Traffic Signals: Lines, Boxes and Phases
Road markings and traffic signals allocate space and priority at junctions, crossings and lanes. The DVLA test uses them to check whether you can read the road without a sign: which line you may cross, where you must stop, and what each signal phase permits.
Longitudinal markings
- A broken white centre line may be crossed to overtake or turn when it is safe and the road is clear.
- A solid white line on your side means do not cross or straddle it; a double solid white line means neither direction may cross.
- Lane lines: broken lines allow a lane change; solid lines mean stay in lane.
- Yellow lines along the kerb show parking restrictions: a single yellow restricts parking at the times shown; a double yellow means no parking at any time. They do not mean no stopping unless a sign or kerb marking says so.
- Zig-zag lines at a pedestrian crossing keep the approach clear: do not park on them and do not overtake the leading vehicle within them.
Junction markings
- A solid white stop line belongs with a STOP sign: stop before the line, then proceed when clear.
- A broken give-way line means yield; stop only if traffic or pedestrians require it.
- A yellow box junction may be entered only if your exit is clear. The usual exception is waiting to turn right when only oncoming traffic prevents you.
- Lane arrows tell you the lane for a turn; change lanes before the solid line, not on it.
Traffic signals
- Steady red: stop at the stop line; do not proceed.
- Steady amber: stop, unless you are so close that stopping suddenly could cause a collision. It is not a signal to accelerate.
- Green: proceed only if the junction or crossing is clear; green does not give you the right to block the box or hit a pedestrian still crossing.
- A green arrow permits movement only in the arrow direction.
- Flashing amber, where used, means proceed with caution and give way to pedestrians.
- A police officer or traffic warden signal overrides the lights; an arm raised vertically means stop.
Worked example
The light is green, but the exit beyond the yellow box is full of stationary traffic. You must wait before the box. Reasoning: the box protects cross traffic; entering because the light is green would block the crossing and is an offence. Green gives permission to proceed only when your path through and beyond the junction is clear.
Traps that cost marks
- Crossing a solid white line because the opposite lane looks empty.
- Treating amber as a signal to go faster.
- Stopping on a yellow box because the light is green.
- Confusing a stop line with a give-way line.
- Parking on zig-zags just for a minute.